By JTNews Staff, other
The universe of immigration records, 1882-1954
Marian Smith, a historian with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, will discuss records of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service found at the National Archives and at USCIS. The lecture will cover the different types of records that have been created and maintained over time, and how these records are distributed between agencies, as well as services and records that are becoming available through the new USCIS Genealogy Program. This event is sponsored by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State and is appropriate for both newcomers and experienced genealogists. Takes place on Mon., January 14 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island. The cost is $5. For more information, visit www.jgsws.org or contact [email protected].
SHA dinner and auction
Seattle Hebrew Academy is hosting a gala dinner and auction on Sun., January 27. At the event, SHA will honor BCMH members Sol and Ann Birulin as its community
leader honorees of the year. For information, or to RSVP, please contact auction chairs Lea Geller at [email protected] or Fibi Duke at [email protected], or call 206-323-5750 and ask for Sasha Mail.
28th international conference on Jewish genealogy
The International Association of Jewish Genealogy has announced that its annual conference will be held from August 17–22 in Chicago at the Chicago Marriott Downtown–Magnificent Mile. Almost two dozen different organizations will offer lectures and presentations on a wide range of topics, from the Midwestern Jewish experience to immigration records. The week will also include a film festival, which will feature a wide range of films of relevance to Jewish genealogy. For additional information, or to register, visit www.Chicago2008.org.
SAC reunion Shabbat
All counselors, staff and campers who participated in Sephardic Adventure Camp 2007 are invited to attend Shabbat services at Ezra Bessaroth on Saturday, Jan.15, followed by a reunion lunch and a SAC-style Shabbat. Shabbat services begin at 8:30 a.m. with lunch and activities to follow. Program ends at 2:30 p.m. There is no charge for this event, which is open only to participants of SAC 2007. RSVP to [email protected].
B’nei Aish summer programs
B’nei Aish is now accepting applications for its four-week-long summer programs in Israel. The trips are designed for male Yeshiva high school students and include typical summer camp experiences like hiking, swimming, rappelling and go-carting, as well as lectures from a variety of speakers about Judaism and the Torah. Boys in grades 9-12 are welcome to apply. For more information, visit www.aish.com/BneiAish.
Kallah teacher workshop
The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance is looking for women to participate in an all-expenses paid, four-day workshop that trains Kallah teachers both on how to demystify sex within the context of halachah. The workshop will be held in New York City from March 2-5. Participants will be trained on how to speak openly and comfortably about sex, and how to initiate dialogue about the subject in pre-marital halachah classes. To apply, download an application form at www.jofa.org.
Second annual OU Kosher essay contest
OU Kosher invites students in grades 4–12 to write essays on the topic of keeping kosher. Winners will receive $50 gift certificates from the Judaica Web site Eichlers.com and will have their essays published online at www.oukosher.org. The grand prize winner will be invited to record his or her essay on OUKosher Radio. All entries must be received by March 7. For further information, contact Rabbi Safran at [email protected].